Articling student (PEA)

Articling students assist lawyers with the Legal Services Branch and Criminal Justice Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General to provide legal services to government.

Duties of students with Legal Services Branch may include appearing or assisting counsel on behalf of government in proceedings in all levels of Court and before a variety of administrative or regulatory tribunals, conducting legal research, providing written and oral legal advice on a wide variety of matters, and assisting in legislative drafting.

Students articling with Criminal Justice Branch (BC’s Prosecution Service) work closely with lawyers in all aspects of trial work, both at the provincial and Supreme Court levels. Students may be asked to do legal research, assist in interviewing witnesses, appear at arraignment hearings, deal with disclosure and assist in the preparation of witness examinations and arguments.

They will assume conduct of trials of summary conviction matters and bail hearings, and will often make other court appearances. Students may also be requested to assist in the preparation of appeals, either of summary conviction or indictable matters. Students will be exposed to all aspects of a prosecutor’s work, including providing advice to police during the course of an investigation, reviewing reports to Crown counsel and assisting in charge approval.

Students with both branches will assume conduct of litigation files on behalf of government in proceedings in provincial court (small claims).

Students in each branch are encouraged to spend up to 3 months in rotations with the other branch to gain exposure to as many areas of law as possible. Under the guidance and mentorship of a principal, articled students are expected to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for successful admission to the Law Society. 

Applicable job codes

Salary

Rates effective April 7, 2024